A joint remembrance service for the worshippers killed at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad has taken place on Friday 12 November 2010, at the Syriac Catholic Church - Holy Trinity Church, 41 Brook Green, London, W6 7BL. You can view photos of the service here
The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, sent a special message to those taking part in the service.
Expressing the Archbishop's sadness at hearing of the atrocities in Baghdad on 31 October 2010, the message says: ' The Archbishop assures the faithful of the Syriac Catholic Church both in Iraq and here in the United Kingdom of his sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. He prays continually that all Christians will come to know the blessing of understanding and respect from all who profess their Faith in God, so that they may live with their brothers and sisters in peaceful co-existence.'
Earlier this month, on hearing of the massacre of worshippers attending Mass at Our Lady of Salvation church in Karada, the Archbishop of Westminster said:
“I want to express my horror at the atrocity that occurred at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Karada, Baghdad and my solidarity with those who suffered and died. This massacre has taken a terrible toll on a vulnerable and diminishing Christian community that, along with other religious minorities, continues to suffer persecution. My thoughts and prayers are with all those Iraqis who struggle against violence and extremism. The Christians of the Middle East have a special vocation as peace builders, as the recent Synod emphasised. I know that they will continue to be faithful to that mission and that Catholics in this country will continue to support the Iraqi Church“.
Westminster Cathedral Mass
A Mass commemorating those who died in the massacre will take place in Westminster Cathedral Friday 26 November at 7pm. Archbishop Nichols will preside and preach.
